Best 7-String Guitar Pickups | Strumming the Spectrum

As the musical landscape continues to evolve, so do the instruments we use to create sound. One such instrument that’s gaining traction is the 7-string guitar, an upgrade from the traditional 6-string models, offering extended range and versatility.

One crucial aspect of these instruments is their pickups, and today, we’ll dive deep into the best 7-string guitar pickups available.

Guitar Pickups

The 7-string guitar is not a new innovation. Its roots trace back to the 19th century when it was used extensively in Russian classical music.

Since then, it has found its place in jazz, rock, and metal genres, where musicians leverage the extended range to explore new sounds and melodies. Some prominent artists like John Petrucci, Steve Vai, and Misha Mansoor have been known to favor the 7-string, enhancing its popularity and acceptance.

However, playing a 7-string guitar comes with its unique challenges. The additional string requires more finger strength and precision. But once mastered, the benefits are immense. It opens up a broader musical canvas for the artist to explore, making it a worthy tool for those willing to invest the time and effort.

Understanding Guitar Pickups

The role of guitar pickups in shaping your instrument’s tone cannot be overstated. Simply put, a guitar pickup is a transducer that captures the vibrations from your guitar strings and converts them into an electrical signal, which can then be amplified.

The type of pickup you choose has a significant influence on your guitar’s tone and output.

There are subtle differences when it comes to pickups for 6-string and 7-string guitars. The latter requires a wider magnetic field to accommodate the additional string, thereby influencing its design.

So, choosing a pickup made specifically for 7-string guitars will ensure that all seven strings are evenly represented in the output signal.

Types of 7-String Guitar Pickups

There are several types of pickups that you can choose for your 7-string guitar. Each comes with its distinct characteristics, offering different tonal qualities.

Single-coil pickups are known for their bright and clear tone. However, they can be prone to hum and noise. A good example of a single-coil tone can be heard in much of Jimi Hendrix’s work.

Humbucker Pickups were designed to ‘buck the hum’ associated with single coils. They produce a warmer, fuller tone, making them a popular choice among rock and metal guitarists.

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The debate between Active vs. Passive Pickups boils down to personal preference. Active pickups use a battery-powered preamp for high output, ideal for metal and hard rock. On the other hand, passive pickups have a more dynamic range and offer a more organic sound.

Piezo Pickups work differently from the electromagnetic pickups mentioned above. They use piezoelectric crystals to detect the vibrations from the strings and are known for their acoustic-like, bright sound.

Factors to Consider When Choosing 7-String Guitar Pickups

Choosing the right pickup for your 7-string guitar is a crucial decision that can significantly influence your guitar’s sound. Here are some factors to consider when making your choice:

Musical Style and Genre: The genre of music you play can greatly influence the type of pickup you should choose. For example, if you’re into heavy metal, you might want to opt for active pickups known for their high output and clarity at high-gain settings.

Desired Tone: Every pickup has a unique tone. Whether you prefer a warm, full tone or a bright and clear tone will determine whether you should choose a humbucker or a single-coil pickup, respectively. The pickup’s materials and build can also contribute to the tone.

Build and Material Quality: The quality of the materials used in the construction of the pickup will affect both its durability and sound quality. High-quality pickups are generally made with better materials, which leads to superior sound production and longevity.

Ease of Installation and Compatibility: You’ll also want to consider how easy it is to install the pickup and whether it is compatible with your guitar. Some pickups may require professional installation, while others can be easily installed at home with basic tools.

Price and Value for Money: Like any other purchase, you’ll want to consider the price of the pickup and whether it offers good value for the money. While more expensive pickups generally offer better sound quality and durability, there are also many affordable options that offer excellent performance.


humbucker or a single-coil pickup, respectively. The pickup’s materials and build can also contribute to the tone.

  • Build and Material Quality: The quality of the materials used in the construction of the pickup will affect both its durability and sound quality. High-quality pickups are generally made with better materials, which leads to superior sound production and longevity.
  • Ease of Installation and Compatibility: You’ll also want to consider how easy it is to install the pickup and whether it is compatible with your guitar. Some pickups may require professional installation, while others can be easily installed at home with basic tools.
  • Price and Value for Money: Like any other purchase, you’ll want to consider the price of the pickup and whether it offers good value for the money. While more expensive pickups generally offer better sound quality and durability, there are also many affordable options that offer excellent performance.

Reviews of the Top 7-String Guitar Pickups

In the realm of 7-string guitars, the choice of pickups plays a pivotal role in defining your sound. Among the top contenders, the Seymour Duncan Nazgûl stands out for its aggressive tone, making it a favorite in metal genres.

For those seeking versatility, the DiMarzio DP708BK Crunch Lab, co-designed with John Petrucci, offers a focused and clear sound, ideal for both metal and progressive rock.

Other notable mentions include the EMG 81-7, known for its high output and precision, and the Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker, which offers innovative tone-shaping capabilities.

Each of these pickups brings its unique flavor to the table, catering to a range of styles and preferences in the 7-string guitar community.

Seymour Duncan Nazgûl 7-String Humbucker Pickup

The Seymour Duncan Nazgûl is a top-tier humbucker pickup, tailor-made for those who like their music heavy and loud. Built with a large ceramic magnet, it provides a blend of detail, warmth, and aggressive tonal characteristics.

Pros

  • Powerful and aggressive tone
  • Great clarity, even at high-gain settings
  • Suitable for a wide range of genres, especially metal

Cons

  • Might be overpowering for some genres
  • Higher price point compared to some other options

Features

  • Ceramic magnet
  • High output
  • Designed for the bridge position

DiMarzio DP708BK Crunch Lab 7-String Pickup

The DiMarzio DP708BK Crunch Lab is another excellent humbucker pickup for 7-string guitars. It was designed in collaboration with Dream Theater’s John Petrucci, offering a tight and focused sound perfect for metal and progressive rock.

Pros

  • Tight and focused sound
  • Versatile, suitable for various genres
  • Designed in collaboration with a legendary guitarist

Cons

  • It may lack warmth for some tastes
  • Might not be the best for clean tones

Features

  • Ceramic magnet
  • High output
  • Designed for the bridge position

The other fantastic options you could consider are the EMG 81-7 Active Humbucker Guitar Pickup, Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker Ceramic 7-String Pickup, Bare Knuckle Aftermath 7-String Humbucker Pickup, Lace Alumitone Deathbar 7-String Pickup, and Lundgren M7 Humbucker 7-String Pickup.

Each of these pickups brings something unique to the table in terms of tone, build quality, and genre compatibility.

How to Install 7-String Guitar Pickups: A Basic Guide

After you’ve chosen your ideal pickup, the next step is installation. Here’s a basic guide to help you through the process.

Before beginning the installation, you’ll need to prepare your guitar. Remove the strings and carefully take out the old pickup. Make sure to keep track of the wires and where they connect.

Next, place your new pickup in the pickup cavity and secure it with the screws provided. Solder the wires from the pickup to the appropriate points on your guitar’s electronics. If you’re not confident with soldering, it might be best to get a professional to help you out.

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After securing and connecting the pickup, it’s time to test it out. Plug your guitar into an amp and lightly tap on the pickup with a metallic object. If you hear a sound through the amp, you’ve successfully installed the pickup.

One common mistake to avoid is incorrect wiring. Cross-checking with the pickup’s wiring diagram can save you from any unnecessary headaches. Also, it’s important to remember that the installation process can differ slightly depending on the type of pickup and your guitar’s configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we conclude, let’s look at some of the frequently asked questions related to 7-string guitar pickups.

Can I Use a 6-String Pickup on a 7-String Guitar?

While technically possible, using a 6-string pickup on a 7-string guitar is not recommended. A 6-string pickup won’t have the width to accurately capture the vibrations from the seventh string, resulting in an uneven and incomplete sound.

How Often Should I Change My Guitar Pickups?

The need to change your guitar pickups depends on various factors such as how often you play, your tone preferences, and the quality of your current pickups. If you’re unhappy with your sound or if the pickups are damaged, it might be time for a change.

What’s the Difference Between Active and Passive Pickups?

Active pickups require a battery-powered preamp and offer a higher output, making them suitable for metal and hard rock genres. Passive pickups don’t require a battery and offer a more organic and dynamic sound.

Can I Install New Pickups Myself or Should I Get a Professional to Do It?

While installing pickups can be a DIY project, it requires some knowledge about your guitar’s wiring and some soldering skills. If you’re not confident about doing it yourself, getting a professional to do it is a safer option.

Does the Brand of My Pickup Really Matter?

Yes, the brand can matter when it comes to pickups. Different brands have different production methods and materials, which can result in varying sound qualities. That being said, the best pickup for you ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the sound you’re looking for.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your 7-String Guitar

And there we have it: an exhaustive journey through the world of 7-string guitar pickups. We’ve discussed the types of pickups, and the factors to consider when choosing one, and reviewed some of the best 7-string guitar pickups available. We’ve even covered how to install them!

Choosing the right pickup can profoundly impact the sound and performance of your 7-string guitar. However, remember that the best pickup is the one that suits your musical style and brings out your unique expression.

It’s all about experimenting, so don’t be afraid to try different options until you find your perfect match. Happy strumming!

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